Pakistani, Iranian leaders discuss implementation of U.S.-Iran MoU

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone conversation on Thursday to discuss the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office said.

The call, which lasted more than 30 minutes, marked the first contact between the two leaders since the signing of the peace agreement between Iran and the United States, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

Sharif congratulated Pezeshkian, the Iranian leadership and people on the signing of the agreement, saying the deal would help restore regional peace, contribute to Iran's reconstruction efforts and further enhance Pakistan-Iran cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

Praising Iran's decision to sign the agreement, Sharif expressed hope for the success of the next phase of negotiations between the parties.

Sharif also conveyed his respectful regards to the Supreme Leader of Iran Mojtaba Khamenei.

Pezeshkian thanked the Pakistani prime minister and Pakistan's Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for their extremely critical roles in steering the mediation process that had ensured its success.

While conveying his best wishes for the people of Pakistan, the Iranian president said that Iran was keen to enhance and expand its bilateral ties with Pakistan across all areas of mutual interest.

The two leaders agreed to exchange visits at the earliest opportunity and remain in close contact in the coming days, the statement said.

Earlier on Thursday, Sharif announced that the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran had been electronically signed by the leaders of the two countries and had entered into force with immediate effect.

According to Sharif, the agreement provides for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade as initial confidence-building measures.

Pakistani, Iranian leaders discuss implementation of U.S.-Iran MoU

Foreign visitors joined the vibrant celebrations of the Duanwu Festival in Haining City in east China's Zhejiang Province, immersing themselves in traditional Chinese culture.

Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the Duanwu Festival, or the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on Friday this year. Its signature traditions include dragon boat races and the sharing of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).

To build festive excitement ahead of the holiday, a unique dragon boat tug-of-war competition was held. Teams seated in dragon boats paddled vigorously in opposite directions, striving to drag their opponents across the finish line.

Many foreign visitors enthusiastically took part in the dragon boat races.

"My feeling, it was fun, and it's hard. It's a lot of work, but it's fun, very fun. Maybe next year we will be better," said Chiara, a visitor from Italy.

Meanwhile, other foreign guests tried their hand at making zongzi to gain a deeper appreciation of Chinese traditions.

"I feel like it's like such a traditional technique, and you cannot get it from the first time. But I think with practice I can do it. I wanted to learn more about Chinese culture, so I think this is like a great way to learn. And also everyone is so welcoming, [everyone] wants us to try new things. I'm so happy to be here," said Bekkali Kenza, a Moroccan visitor.

Foreign visitors enjoy traditional customs of Duanwu Festival